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Peter Burke is one of the busiest entertainers on the Irish circuit. A native of Cork but living in Tipperary for several years, Peter is sought after for shows all over Munster and south Leinster. The song Six Days on the Road could well have been written for him.
“I am very fortunate that there is such a great demand for the music I do and the shows I put on,” says Peter. “I am normally out six nights a week. I recently completed another Lisdoonvarna marathon which saw me perform there for four nights each week as well as at the weekends. Glen Flynn from Tullamore joined me for the Lisdoonvarna shows. He is so professional and has featured as a member of Isla Grant’s band for several years now.”
Peter’s journey on the circuit is an interesting one. He played at various stages with popular pop bands in former times such as Lucky Numbers, Fantasy and Shaun O’Dowd’s band, Ding A Ling. He toured America and England with the four piece band, Erin’s Ghost, which was another venture. His year with Brendan O’Brien and The Dixies in 1992 was memorable as he experienced first-hand the buzz and atmosphere these professionals were still able to bring to their shows.
“Brendan was a revelation. From the moment he hit the stage he was a transformed man. He was superb with audiences and they loved him. He truly was one of the great legends of the showband era,” reflects Peter.
Peter has just released his first album in six years. It features 14 tracks, including eight of his own composition. “I have always enjoyed writing songs when the mood is right. They cover a wide variety of topics and there is a lovely sense of satisfaction in putting your heart into your own songs.”
Other songs include Blacksod Bay, Lovely Derry On The Banks of the Foyle, The Thornbirds Waltz, Have I Told You Lately and Until You Have Walked In My Shoes. One of Peter’s own songs, The Legend Johnny Barrett, celebrates the life of the late entertainer from Charleville. “His son Pat and I played in the same band for a few years. Pat died in 1996 at the age of 30 and that hit Johnny very hard. I became great friends with him and he was a gifted entertainer who had a huge following on the Munster circuit.
“Johnny wanted to see everyone do well and he helped numerous young players starting out in the business. He was a great guy. We unveiled a plaque in his honour in Charleville some months ago and there was a grand crowd present for the occasion. It was a privilege for me to include the song as a tribute to Johnny on the new album.”
The Connemara Waltz, another track on the album, is close to Peter’s heart as well. My father came from Connemara so we always had a strong connection with that region of Galway. I have a lot of cousins in that part of the country.”
Peter Burke played on and produced the entire album. He can be contacted on 087-6953870.
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